OBO named GHBPF Strategic Partner of the Year

MAKING CONNECTIONS: The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF) hosts events to assist small businesses in gaining contracting opportunities, a goal also shared by OBO. To learn about GHBPF, go to houstonbiz.org.

By: Damita Roberts

The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) thrives on partnerships with local and national organizations to bring education, opportunities, and counseling to thousands of small businesses in Houston. Starting the year on a high note, OBO was honored as Strategic Partner of the Year during the 29th Annual Awards Celebration of the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF).

To solve challenges that small business owners experience, there is no better strategy than partnerships. After all, two heads are better than one. Bridging the gaps between businesses and organizations is one of the best paths for companies who are looking to grow their operations to a larger scale, gain more knowledge of their industry, and increase their access to potential clients. More than ever, the do-it-yourself plan does not yield many gains or acceleration in a world that revolves around partnerships and collaborations.

Each organization has its strengths, and partnering with them allows us to do more collectively than we can independently. Entrepreneurship is hard and can be discouraging, so with partnerships, we are better equipped to meet the needs of business owners,

said Dr. Porscha Jackson, Business Development Manager of OBO.

Established in 1991, GHBPF has worked to advocate opportunities that promote and enhance the success of economically and socially disadvantaged businesses. GHBPF has hosted over 300 breakfast events and forums with over 10,000 attendees to connect small business owners with resources and education to acquire contracts, industry information, and assistance from government agencies and large businesses.

The Forum has relevant topics and speakers who are there to inform and assist business owners about how they can work on current and upcoming projects throughout the local area and access resources to position their company for these opportunities. This is in direct alignment with OBO’s efforts and mission, said Jackson.

OBO’s dedication and commitment to small businesses is also prevalent in its workshops, events, and programs created to help small businesses shore up their foundation and education, which enables small business to have longevity and growth.

Jackson also received an Award of Merit from GHBPF for her contributions to the business community through her work with OBO. Being on the frontline managing and continuing to build OBO’s programs, she is driven by a personal mission to support business owners.

ANNUAL EVENT: The GHBPF has reached the small business community since 1991.

With a common goal in mind, GHBPF and OBO have worked hand in hand in developing small businesses in the City to prepare and access procurement and bid opportunities.

“OBO values its partnership with the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum. Their efforts, under the leadership of Mr. Milton Thibodeaux, help to provide the ultimate space where business owners can connect with the people, resources, and opportunities of the major state and government agencies and prime contractors,” Jackson said.

“The impact of this partnership is immeasurable due to the number of people who we have helped as a result of GHBPF and who have benefitted from our referral to GHBPF over the years. Through our involvement, we are able to see the matriculation of businesses from startups to profitable subcontractors and/or prime contractors and know that together, through our partnership, we’ve made a difference in the Houston business community.”